Targeted updates will be implemented to the International Screen Production Rebate to keep New Zealand competitive and appealing for global film, television, and streaming productions.
According to Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis, the changes are a direct response to industry feedback and are intended to preserve New Zealand’s competitive advantage in an evolving international market, where other countries are aggressively enhancing their incentives to attract screen investment.
Starting from January 2026, the updates will lower the minimum qualifying spend for feature films from $15 million to $4 million, allowing a greater number of productions—be it for cinema, TV, or streaming—to qualify for the rebate.
The threshold for the ‘5% uplift’ will be reduced from $30 million to $20 million, allowing more mid-budget productions to qualify for the additional incentive.
Eligibility for the 5% uplift will be expanded to include projects focused solely on post-production, digital, and visual effects (PDV), acknowledging New Zealand’s world-renowned expertise in these fields.
The cap on above-the-line expenses, including fees for directors, producers, principal cast, and screenwriters, will be eliminated to align with international standards.
“These updates modernise the rebate to attract a broader range of productions, create more consistent work for local crews and businesses, and encourage greater foreign investment in our creative industries,” Willis said.
The updated settings will be financed by the additional $577 million allocated in Budget 2025, which increased the total funding for the International Screen Production Rebate to $1.09 billion.
“These changes ensure New Zealand remains a serious contender in an increasingly competitive global screen industry.”
“They will help diversify our screen economy, build stronger partnerships in growing markets across Asia and the Middle East, and keep Kiwi talent in steady work while attracting new investment, skills and technology.”
New Zealand’s screen industry provides employment for approximately 24,000 people and contributes $3.5 billion annually to the country’s GDP.
“By staying agile and globally connected, we can turn Kiwi creativity into competitive advantage—keeping New Zealand on the world stage and growing one of our most distinctive export industries.”